besides

[bih-sahydz]

adverb

1. moreover; furthermore; also.

   Besides, I promised her we would come.

   Synonyms: further

2. in addition.

   There are three elm trees and two maples besides.

3. otherwise; else.

   They had a roof over their heads but not much besides.

preposition

1. over and above; in addition to.

   Besides a mother he has a sister to support.

2. other than; except.

   There's no one here besides Bill and me.

besides

/ bɪˈsaɪdz /

preposition

1. apart from; even considering

   besides costing too much, the scheme is impractical

1. anyway; moreover

adverb

1. as well

Confusables Note

See beside.

Word History and Origins

Origin of besides¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English; beside, -s ¹

Synonym Study

Besides, moreover both indicate something additional to what has already been stated. Besides often suggests that the addition is in the nature of an afterthought: The bill cannot be paid as yet; besides, the work is not completed. Moreover is more formal and implies that the addition is something particular, emphatic, or important: I did not like the house; moreover, it was too high-priced.

Example Sentences

There are few roles in horse racing, besides trainer or jockey, that Siegel didn’t perform since he first got a job in the publicity department at Hollywood Park in 1974.

From Los Angeles Times

There was no apology or further communication besides a follow-up email from the associate athletic director sent 26 minutes after the first one, simply recalling the message.

From Los Angeles Times

Ortega declined to comment on his office’s push to sack Essayli besides what was already in their legal motion but claimed it was “nothing personal.”

From Los Angeles Times

What made this the right project to kick off your partnership — besides a shared love of the game?

From Los Angeles Times

They also make money in ways besides tickets and SportsNet LA, among them national broadcast revenue, national and local merchandise revenue, corporate sponsorships, and stadium parking and concessions.

From Los Angeles Times